Albania Mission AgainstHuman Trafficking

MARY WARD LORETO is planting hope with a human rights approach to combating modern day slavery. This challenging mission is implemented through works of justice, education, grass roots action and systemic change. The aim is to eradicate poverty, the prime cause for human trafficking.

MWL Youth Project

Do you remember our little leaders of Lagje Miredita?

Well, now they are grown up by one year! There were 15 leaders at the beginning of their Leadership Program with Mary Ward Loreto Youth Project, but 3 of them have successfully been accepted at universities around Albania and we are very proud of them! The other 12 leaders have committed themselves to continue the programme for the second year. During this time they will be part of the Leadership empowerment process. Already you can easily feel their confidence growing. They have a big desire to take initiatives and experience all the magic of becoming a Leader. What a great year we have ahead!

Becoming a youth trainer.

At the beginning of October I was given a new assignment, that of the MWL youth trainer. Working with young people is always energizing because they have the potential to always accept challenges and adapt. During the “Trafficking in Human Beings” trainings I’m impressed by the dynamics of those interacting with each other, their analytical skills and the information they have. Traveling from north to south of Albania allows you to meet youngsters from different communities. They are as similar and unique to each other. Someone is introvert and shy to express thoughts, someone may have clear ideas, clear thoughts and leadership skills. All with the potential to develop and all with the potential to face the internal struggle between good and bad. Trainings with young people are a way to invite them to reflect on their daily choices and decisions which reflect on their future. This is a struggle to identify what is good and what is bad.

On 29th of September at Don Bosko Centre in Tirana, 40 youngsters from Puka and Lushnja celebrated their first success on the journey to becoming leaders. They were provided with certificates which testify their commitment to the project activities including:

Six Human Development trainings: Job search, Human Anti-trafficking, Communication Skills, Mental and Emotional Health, Different and Equal and Learning Entrepreneurship;

Vocational Training Course;

Work Experience;

Voluntary Activities;

Social and Recreational Group Activity;

On this day MWL Foundation organized an event to say a huge thank you to them for the trust that they have shown in themselves and through their commitment to the MWL Youth Program. This event was characterized by joy and enthusiasm which was the most important achievement for these youngsters when 12 months before they had no idea what to do with their lives. Now they are writing their stories of hope, joy and freedom. On this happy moment day MWL President, Imelda Poole, MWL Youth Project manager Gazmir Memaj, Head of Mobile Unit of Regional Directorate of Public Vocational Training, Arben Sinoimeri and 2 key workers in Lushnje and Puka, Shahin Petritaj and Ilirjan Lleshi were present and delivered the certificates. These youngsters are now ready to fly, 50% are employed already and they are changing their communities.

Human Development Trainings “Self-Perception and Social Media” MWL Youth Project.

During the month of November, the youth project launched a human development training with young people. The theme was: ‘’Self-perception and the impact of social media’’. The first trainings were held in Burrel, Librazhd and Kucove. All the young participants were happy to receive this training and the information provided. They live in a time when technology and especially social networks take up most of their day and it is a key factor determining the development of personality and character for them. In this training, young people were offered an alternative, seeing social media from a wider point of view, emphasizing its impact on how they see themselves in society and how they perceive themselves through social networks. It involved self-awareness training and choice making.